Welcome to the AC Tropical Fish aquarium forum. Our aquarium forum is the place to discuss any aquarium related issue in a friendly environment. Our aquarium forum welcomes aquarists of all levels from beginners to experts. Please ask a question in the how to section of our forum or read the FAQ section if you have any questions. register to and become a part of our friendly aquarium forum community today.

I want an answer!

0

My two red eared slider turtles, Little Pablo and Marble, were given to me on
December 2, 2007, for my birthday. But a few weeks later, I noticed some
crusty white spots on their shells that were soft. I reaserched and decided that
it is shell rot. I tried home care- I scrubbed them daily and put peroxide on their soft spots and gently picked at the white spots. I did this regurally for two weeks and cleaned out their tank once a week, but nothing worked. My turtles have been given many choices of where to bask from bowls to rocks, but nothing attracted them. I think that they need to bask more and despite my mom buying a powerful filter and changing the tank weekly, the tank stinks and is dirty. I hope you can help.
Michaela

They use UVB to make Vitamin D3 which allows them to use calcium. Fortunately Vitamin D3 can and should also be provided for in the diet. But natural sunlight is one of the best things you can provide.

shell rot can come from lots of things most likely they are not getting enough UVB light. they need this to metabolize their calcium via vitamin D3. without UVB no matter what you try the little guys will just end up dieing. natural sunlight will not penetrate the glass in the aquarium so you NEED a UVB reptile bulb, about $20 at any pet store

also what size turt's and and how big of tanks do you have, they need 10 gal per inch of turt x2 for your two turts. ie 2 2" RES need at least a 40 gal tank.

Also shell rot will not grow back very well

Last edited by dustinpedley; 03-14-2008 at 12:21 AM.

The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits
-- Albert Einstein

Shell rot is a separate issue from soft shell, which is caused by not enough calcium or Vitamin D3. Shell rot is usually a water quality issue. As stated you can provide the Vitamin D3 in the diet, not necessarily a light, but it is better to double up.